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Programs of instruction include theoretical and applied statistics and probability. The department also offers cooperative programs in operations research with the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, in the mathematics of finance with the Department of Mathematics, in actuarial science with the School of Continuing Education, and in quantitative methods in social science with the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy.Columbia University and the New York area are notable for wide-ranging opportunities for the application of statistics. The department maintains ties with industry, Wall Street, and medical and basic science researchers in New York and also helps to serve the statistical needs of the University community. There is a continuing demand for well-trained statisticians, and the department has been successful in placing its graduates in positions at universities and research institutes as well as in government, business, industry, and Wall Street.

M.A. in Statistics

The M.A. program is designed for students wishing to improve their knowledge of theory and skill in methods and statistical applications. Although some students in the M.A. program are preparing for doctoral study in statistics or other quantitative fields, most are preparing for, or are working in, positions that use statistics, and do not plan on applying to a Ph.D. program. Both full- and part-time students enroll in the M.A. program.

For students with strong preparation, the M.A. program consists of five required courses and three or more electives. The required courses include basic probability theory and mathematical statistics as well as courses in standard statistical methods. Many of the courses entail practical experience using statistical software. Well-prepared, full-time students can satisfy the minimum requirements for the M.A. degree in one year. Required courses are scheduled, as much as possible, for early evening times to accommodate students with full-time employment. Students who complete the free-standing M.A. program and apply to the Ph.D. program will be considered on the same basis as other applicants.

Graduates of the M.A. program have found employment in a variety of areas, including pharmaceutical research, finance, insurance, market research, public health, and government. Professionals with strong interest in broadening their knowledge of applied statistics to prepare for a new career or advance in their current positions are particularly encouraged to apply.

M.A. in Mathematics with a specialization in Mathematics of Finance

In conjunction with the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Statistics offers an M.A. in Mathematics with a specialization in the Mathematics of Finance. The program provides instruction in the advanced quantitative methods required for modern finance and draws on the diverse strengths of Columbia in stochastic processes, numerical methods, and application to finance. Topics covered include probability and random processes, statistics, partial differential equations, financial markets and instruments, valuation and hedging techniques, and computational and simulation methods. For more information click here.

M.A. in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences

The department participates in the interdisciplinary M.A. program in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences. The QMSS program trains students to apply quantitative methods to social problems as they arise in business, government, and nonprofit organizations, and provides a strong foundation for those who go on to doctoral programs in the social sciences. It is designed for students with a background in social sciences or quantitative methods who are interested in deepening their analytical skills and broadening their knowledge of the social sciences. For more information click here.

The Ph.D. Program in Statistics

The Ph.D. program prepares students for research careers in probability and statistics in academia and industry. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program earn the M.A. and M.Phil. along the way. The first year of the program is spent on foundational courses in theoretical statistics, applied statistics, and probability. In the following years, students take advanced topics courses and also contribute to the department's consulting service. Work toward the dissertation typically begins in the second year. Students also have opportunities to take part in a wide variety of projects involving applied probability or applications of statistics.

Preparation for the program should include a thorough knowledge of linear algebra (through the level of MATH V2020 at Columbia) and advanced calculus (through the level of MATH V1201).  Experience in theoretical or applied probability and statistics is advantageous.  Familiarity with computer programming is also helpful.  The GRE exam is required and cannot be substituted with the GMAT; there is no minimum score.

Preparation for the Ph.D. degree in statistics should include a strong undergraduate background in mathematics, including linear algebra, advanced calculus and elements of modern analysis. Some experience in statistics or probability is also necessary.

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit 1 official transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a Statement of Academic Purpose and 3 letters of evaluation from academic sources. All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English, must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS. For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

Mathematics with a specialization in Mathematics of Finance